International Students: Spouse Visas In Australia

can international students bring their spouse in australia

International students in Australia on a student visa may be able to bring their spouse or partner to Australia as a dependent. This is usually possible if the spouse is a dependent family member, such as a husband, wife, or partner, or the dependent child of the visa holder or their partner. The spouse must be included in the original student visa application or can join the visa holder later as a subsequent entrant.

Characteristics Values
Can international students bring their spouse to Australia? Yes, international students can bring their spouse to Australia as a dependent on their student visa.
Who is eligible? International students with a spouse or partner (including same-sex partners) with whom they have been living for 12 months.
What documents are required? Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate, proof of living together, etc.), health and character requirements (medical examinations, police clearance certificates, etc.), and financial support.
What are the work rights of the dependent spouse? If the student is studying a bachelor's degree, the dependent spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If the student is studying a master's or doctoral degree, the spouse has full and unlimited work rights.
What is the visa process? The spouse can be included in the original student visa application or can apply for a subsequent entrant visa after the student arrives in Australia.
Are there any age restrictions for dependent children? Yes, dependent children must be under 18 years of age or still in continuous education (e.g. studying A-levels).

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Spouses and dependent children can be included in the student visa application

International students in Australia on a student visa are usually allowed to bring their spouses and dependent children to Australia as dependents. Spouses and dependent children can be included in the student visa application, but there are several requirements that must be met.

Firstly, the spouse must be able to satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are a genuine temporary entrant. The spouse must also be able to provide evidence of their relationship with the student visa holder, such as a marriage certificate or proof of living together for 12 months.

Secondly, the student visa holder must be able to financially support their spouse and dependent children during their stay in Australia. This includes having enough money to cover all expenses for at least 12 months, as the main student visa holder must have a minimum of 12 months' validity on their visa.

Thirdly, the spouse and dependent children must be able to meet specific health and character requirements. This may include undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.

Finally, the student visa holder must declare their spouse and dependent children on their student visa application, even if they do not plan to travel to Australia immediately. If they are not declared on the original application, they will not be eligible for a student visa to join the student visa holder in Australia at any stage.

It is important to note that dependent children are generally defined as children under the age of 18 or who are still in continuous education. The work rights granted to spouses will depend on the course of study of the student visa holder.

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Evidence of relationship, health, and character is required

International students can bring their spouse to Australia, but they must provide evidence of their relationship, health, and character.

Evidence of Relationship

Couples may need to provide evidence of their relationship, including a marriage certificate or proof of living together. If you have previously been married, you must provide divorce documents. If you are in a de facto relationship, you must have been living together for at least 12 months immediately before applying for the visa.

Evidence of Health

Your doctor will send your health documents directly to the visa application centre.

Evidence of Character

You must complete Form 80, which includes a character assessment. You may also need to provide military service records or discharge papers if you have served in the armed forces of any country.

In addition to the above, you must also provide proof of your sponsor's citizenship or permanent residency in Australia or New Zealand. You must also demonstrate that you can financially support your spouse when they are in Australia.

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Financial support for the family must be proven

International students in Australia are allowed to bring their spouses and dependent children under the age of 18 to the country. This can be done by including them in the student visa application or by applying for a subsequent entrant visa after arriving in the country.

However, to be approved, the student must demonstrate that they can financially support their family members during their stay in Australia. This includes covering tuition fees, travel, and living costs for the entire family.

There are various ways international students can prove their financial capability to support their families. Firstly, they can provide evidence of their own financial resources, such as bank statements or other documentation showing sufficient funds to cover the expenses.

Secondly, international students can explore the various scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and other public and private organisations. These opportunities can provide financial assistance to help support the student's family during their stay. Examples include the Australia Awards, International Student Merit Scholarships, and Academic Excellence Scholarships.

Additionally, students can consider part-time work options to supplement their income. The work rights granted to dependent partners depend on the course of study of the student. If the student is pursuing a bachelor's degree, the partner can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. On the other hand, if the student is studying a master's or doctoral degree, the partner will have full and unlimited work rights.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and processes for proving financial support may vary, so it is recommended to consult official government sources and seek advice from the relevant authorities when planning to bring a spouse to Australia as an international student.

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Spouses can work in Australia, but with limitations

International students can bring their spouses to Australia, but they must apply for a dependent visa. The student visa holder must have a minimum of 12 months of validity on their visa and the necessary funds and insurance to cover all expenses for this period. The spouse's visa will be valid for the duration of the student visa holder's course.

Spouses of international students can work in Australia, but their work rights will depend on the student visa holder's course of study. If the student visa holder is studying a bachelor's degree, the spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If the student visa holder is studying a master's or doctoral degree, the spouse will have full and unlimited work rights.

It is important to note that the spouse's visa is dependent on the student visa holder's visa. If the student visa holder's visa is cancelled or ceases, the spouse's visa will also be cancelled. Additionally, the spouse must meet health and character requirements and provide evidence of their relationship with the student visa holder, such as a marriage certificate.

If the spouse intends to marry in Australia, they may apply for a prospective spouse visa, which is valid for 9 months. This visa has full work rights. However, it is important to note that the temporary partner visa will cease if a decision is made to refuse at the permanent stage, such as if the relationship breaks down.

In some cases, the spouse may need to apply for their own individual visa, such as if they are joining the student visa holder after they have already started their course. In this case, the spouse would need to apply for a subsequent entrant visa and provide additional documentation, such as proof of relationship and a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

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Student visa holders under 18 can bring an adult guardian

International students in Australia with a student visa are usually allowed to bring their spouse or partner as a dependent on their visa. This includes same-sex partners and de facto partners. To be eligible, partners must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are a genuine temporary entrant and may need to provide evidence of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of living together.

To apply for a Student Guardian Visa, the student must first have a confirmed place at their chosen university or education provider. The guardian must then submit a letter of support and a nomination form. The student must also provide a written statement declaring their intention to study temporarily in Australia and that they do not intend to stay beyond their visa expiry.

It is important to note that student visa holders under 18 must notify the Department of any changes to their welfare arrangements. If family members are not declared on the initial student visa application, they will not be eligible to join the student in Australia at a later stage.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, international students can bring their spouse to Australia. They can be included on the original student visa application or can apply for their visas once the student has started their course.

You must include your spouse's details on your original Form 157A. You must also provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of living together. You will also need to prove that you can financially support your spouse when you are in Australia.

Your spouse will have different working rights depending on the course you are studying. If you are studying a bachelor's degree, your spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If you are studying a master's or doctoral degree, your spouse will have full and unlimited work rights.

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